Hills to Coast Thailand Explorer in 3 weeks

Welcome to Thailand! Upon arrival at Bangkok’s international airport, Suvarnabhumi, meet with the guide and driver and be assisted with the transfer to Kanchanaburi.
(Please note: Depending on the time of arrival, a unique country market along railway tracks may be visited on the way to Kanchanaburi.)
The journey starts with the drive to Kanchanaburi. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant that is situated near the famous bridge on River Kwai that was built by prisoners of war during World War II.

Optional:
Visit the WWII Museum – no additional charge
After, continue to Hintok River Camp for check-in.
Dinner and overnight in Kanchanaburi.

Wake up to the sound of nature surrounding the tented camp. After breakfast, embark on a canoeing and biking excursion. Enjoy the beauty and scenery of River Kwai by canoeing down the river. Under the supervision of an experienced instructor, paddle for two hours along the river. 
After a refreshment break, take a 10-km easy bike ride through the spectacular Kanchanaburi rainforest. Enroute, make stops to see temples and local villagers going about their daily tasks.
Lunch at a local restaurant.
After lunch, depart for Erawan Waterfall, a beautiful 7-tiered waterfall. Located in Erawan National Park. Take a hike up to see the picturesque falls. It is best to bring good walking shoes. Also do remember to bring a swimming suit if swimming in the fall’s natural pools is desired. 
Dinner and overnight in Kanchanaburi.

After breakfast, leave the beautiful nature of Kanchanaburi behind and head to historic Sukhothai that translates to ‘dawn of happiness’. The city was founded in the 13th century and became the kingdom’s first capital.
Stop for lunch at a local restaurant along the way.
Check-in at the hotel and get ready for dinner at the hotel followed by an evening of relaxation.
Overnight in Sukhothai.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, visit Sukhothai Historical Park which was once a walled city surrounded by a moat. The park contains almost 200 chedi ruins preserved in remarkable condition. By bicycle, ride around the main sites of Wat Mahathat, Wat Si Chum, Wat Sri Sawai, Wat Sra Sri, Wat Trapang Ngoen and Ramkamhaeng Museum.
Finish around noon and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Sukhothai.

After breakfast drive north to Sri Satchanalai Historical Park on the bank of the Yom River north of Sukhothai. The ancient town, formerly called Muang Chaliang was named Sri Satchanalai during the reign of Phra Ruang and 134 ruined monuments have been discovered within the park.
Before arriving in Sri Satchanalai, stop at a local farm to have a fruit sample tasting. Then visit the main sites of the historical park including several temples as well as the Celadon Kiln Site Study and Conservation Center at Ban Ko Noi.
Lunch at a local restaurant.
Continue the drive to the northern capital, then take some time this evening for a free and easy dinner. 
Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Today, get a true taste of Thai life and spend a day far removed from the tourist areas. Meet Mr. Prapat and his family. The hosts will provide a warm welcome into their home.
Explore the property of Mr. Prapat to encounter local architectural styles and uniquely traditional ways of life. There may be an opportunity to witness basket weaving, a handmade process that has remained unchanged for centuries.
Next up is a visit to Mr. Prapat’s organic gardens to browse his vibrant array of vegetation. Select some fresh ingredients, grab an apron and head inside to begin the interactive cooking experience! The family will share their recipes and demonstrate the traditional techniques needed to prepare delicious northern Thai dishes. Share stories of food and family while cooking today’s lunch. Afterwards sit down with the family and dine on the tasty meal.
After a delicious lunch it is time for relaxing. Go for a refreshing afternoon of traditional spa treatments. Start with a healing treatment including an Aromatic Herbal Steam treatment, Oil Massage and Thai Massage. To end this relaxing first day in Thailand, hop on a dinner cruise along the famous Ping River.
Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Set off for the one-hour drive from Chiang Mai to Sri Lanna National Park. First, start the journey on a visit to Bua Tong limestone waterfall in Sri Lanna National Park. Here, have a picnic while spending time climbing up these remarkable sticky waterfalls.
After this we start cycling to Mae Ngat Dam. For those who wish not to cycle, there is an option to take a transfer to the lake. (Cycling is 1.5 hours on flat country lanes) Upon reaching the park entrance, hop on a bike for a 20-kilometre ride.
Pedal along quiet rural roads, passing through an ever-changing landscape of beautiful scenery. See rolling rice paddies and fruit orchards growing exotic tropical treats. Cycle past dazzling bamboo and fern groves, with vibrant shades of green.
Stop often for photos or to simply soak up the incredible surroundings. At Mae Ngat Lake Reservoir the biking trail ends and another adventure begins. Climb into the long tail boat and ride out onto the lake’s placid waters. Cross the reservoir, enjoying the backdrop of distant unspoiled landscapes. Arrive at a floating bamboo raft house where a delicious lunch of traditional dishes awaits.
Spend the remainder of the afternoon at this tranquil location. Swim in the cool waters or climb in the kayaks to go and discover more remote corners of the reservoir. Or simply relax on the shoreline.
Feeling rejuvenated from a day in the great outdoors, pack up the bikes and wrap up the day trip to Sri Lanna National Park. 
Dinner and Overnight in Mae Taeng.

After breakfast leave the resort and go up the mountain of Doi Ang Kang. The second highest mountain in Thailand with stunning views over Thailand and neighbouring Myanmar. Learn about the wars which were fought ages ago before going to one of Thailand’s most famous botanical gardens in this royal project. Have a delicious lunch in a restaurant full of character. 
After lunch, go on a hike along a jungle trail before moving on through the mountains to the end destination of today. The Phumanee hotel, a fine mix of hotel and homestay with a very interesting story to it.
Overnight in Fang.

This morning, learn about the history of Phumanee hotel and the people who run it before embarking by 4X4 to the starting point of a four-hour trek to the top of the mountain. During this trek where the view is changing all the time, get excited to see the famous hill tribe village. On arrival at the village, recharge with a delicious lunch.
Get a hands on experience in picking tea leaves and learn about the complete process of making tea and coffee on top of this beautiful village before being transferred to the hotel where the van waits to bring us to Thaton for the night.
For those who wish to not do the trekking can go up the mountain by 4x4 to reach the village.  After this interesting day learning about the Lisu Hilltribes, then transfer to Phu Chai Sai — a little piece of heaven on earth in the mountains of Chiang Rai.
Overnight in Phu Chai Sai.

Today enjoy a day at leisure at the Phu Chai Sai.
Overnight in Phu Chai Sai.

Today is a long ride ahead but break this up with learning the history and passing the highlights of the area. Leave the beautiful resort this morning with stops at Baan Dam, a black artist museum and White temple — maybe one of the most famous temples in Thailand.
Enroute, stop for lunch and a nice coffee break as well. The final rest stop will be in the mountains of Mae Rim at the rustic Hmong Hilltribe Lodge. Unwind from a long day while enjoying the gardens and maybe a campfire in the evening.
Overnight in Mae Rim.

This morning after a delicious breakfast at the hotel be transferred by truck. Take a brief stop to Mae Malai Market to purchase some local food and vegetables needed during the trek. The next stop is Mok Fah Waterfall for swimming and relaxation then get transferred again to Karen Village. On arrival, have lunch that is cooked specially by the guide.
Take a break before starting to trek about 3.5hrs to another Karen Village Hilltribe at Baan Pa Kao Lam. Walk around the village and observe local life. There is also a chance to feed the elephants and bathe with them in the river. Dinner and overnight at the Karen Village.
Overnight in Karen Village

After breakfast at the village. Trek about one hour to the rafting point for a bamboo raft along the Taeng River through many rapids for about 2.5 hours to Shan Village and Baan Sob Kai. (Depends on water level and current). On the way, stop at Lahu Hilltribe village at Baan Pong Ngan.
Late lunch will be at Shan village before a transfer back to Chiang Mai. Tonight, experience a famous Chiang Mai Night Market, Chiang Mai Night Bazaar and have dinner at a local restaurant
Overnight in Chiang Mai.
 

Get ready for spending a day with the elephants at Chai Lai Orchid Elephant Farm and learn about these beautiful pachyderms while feeding, bathing and walking with them.
Tuck in to a delicious lunch at the camp before leaving back to the city and on to our final hike of the trip.
Today, hike the monks trail up to Doi Suthep Mountain. This trail was in the old ages only used by the monks paying pilgrimage on their way to Wat Phra That Temple on the top of the mountain. Start hiking at the foot of the mountain and set off through the nature with a slight ascend up the hill and after a 40 minute walk, find Wat Pha Lat, maybe one of Chiang Mai’s least visited temples. This temple is hidden away from the tourists, in the forest.
Take a break to walk around this breathtaking and mysterious looking temple so beautifully hidden and so serene. 
Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Choose to rise early for a morning visit to Chiang Mai’s bustling markets. Stroll past vendors cooking up spice-infused specialties, locals haggling over prices, and brightly-clad monks collecting alms. Return to our hotel for breakfast, then head to the riverfront. Climb aboard a samlor, or rickshaw, and navigate colorful streets en route to the towering red ramparts of Tha Phae Gate, one of the original city gates that has been reconstructed. Get immersed in Buddhist traditions as we explore two spectacular temples: Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Sing. We’ll also have an opportunity to meet a Buddhist monk. Later, transfer to the airport and fly south to Phuket — Thailand’s largest island. Upon arrival, drive to our lodge situated at the edge of Khao Sok National Park.
 

Stretching along Thailand’s southwest coast, Khao Sok National Park boasts a breathtaking wilderness of karst peaks, turquoise lakes, and tropical rainforest. The park encompasses southern Thailand’s largest area of virgin forest, home to rare wildlife including the Asian elephant, Malayan tapir, and spectacled langur. Keep an eye out for these elusive creatures—as well as monkeys and birds—as we embark on a hike through lush forest, passing caves and waterfalls. Marvel at towering buttress roots and twisting liana vines bridging gaps in the green canopy. Weather permitting, visit Civet Cave or a series of waterfalls, and learn about medicinal plants from our local guide. Tonight, enjoy a demonstration of traditional Thai cooking methods, which use bamboo and palm leaves over an open fire. Savor the smoky flavors of recipes that have been passed down through generations. 

Spend the morning exploring one of the highlights of Khao Sok National Park: Cheow Lan Lake, an enchanting realm of emerald waters, jungle-clad islets, and towering cliffs. Board a long-tail boat for a scenic cruise among the lake’s fantastic karst formations, with opportunities to swim in the clear waters and kayak into narrow inlets to view the lake’s geology up close. Enjoy a traditional Thai lunch of fresh fish and flavorful curries before returning to shore. Later, drive to the coastal town of Krabi, situated on the Andaman Sea. Here, where we board a shuttle boat and cross the bay to our secluded beachfront hotel, nestled within its own private bay.

This morning, depart our hotel by boat and return to Krabi, where we transfer to Ao Thalane. Board a long-tail boat and cruise offshore to Ko Hong—an island known for its stunning limestone cliffs and emerald lagoon. Set out by kayak to discover the island, gliding between soaring limestone walls and rocky outcrops. Alternatively, don a snorkel and fins to explore shallow coral reefs swirling with fish, and soak up the sun on one of the island’s white-sand beaches. In the afternoon, enjoy a kayaking excursion in Ao Thalane, a network of dense mangrove forests framed by dramatic karst formations. Navigate narrow passageways between cliffs and keep an eye out for kingfishers, herons, and macaque monkeys among the mangroves. Later, return to the mainland and enjoy dinner in Krabi. 

Today, we travel inland to a landscape of jungle-clad hills punctuated by sharp karst peaks. Hike through tropical forest and climb to the summit of Khao Ngon Nak Mountain, taking in spectacular views of the Krabi Mountain range and the Andaman Sea. After our hike, head to a tranquil beach to enjoy a seaside lunch. Later, a short boat ride across the Krabi River to Ko Klang—a small island surrounded by mangroves. Here, we hop on mountain bikes to explore the island, biking winding paths among traditional fishing villages and artisan workshops where residents keep age-old crafts alive. Try your hand at batik cloth painting, chat with locals at a farming community, and enjoy a traditional Thai snack. Back at our beachfront hotel, celebrate our adventure at a festive farewell dinner. 

Return by shuttle boat to Krabi and transfer to the airport. Fly to Bangkok, and enjoy a free afternoon to explore the city on your own or relax at our hotel.

You are free before transferring to the airport for departure flight